Hey, Rhonda

I'm a transplanted Yankee from New Jersey to South Carolina and can agree with what you and Brad are saying.  Although I had to face the reverse where people here think I'm rude as soon as I say I'm from the North (which I've learned not to say) or drop my Southern drawl.  I had to get used to people being friendly and not being rude and realize they weren't being nosey when asking about my business or looking at me directly rather than looking away as is the understood custom in the North.  The funny part is that I find myself saying "Hey" (which is the Southern form of "Hello").  And Columbia is so metropolitan there are folks from all over the country, so it's not the most Southernese of places, but still different enough to tell.

As for starting in a new congregation, yes, that's what it is.  Just plop yourself down in a new church until you start getting to know the people and the flow of things.  It's nice if you have a family with you to at least have someone you know.  Or at least a friend or two.  That's why I recommended that if you don't know anyone at all the chaplain might be able to help introduce you and get you started.  He might even know of some congregation in the area that has a few other blind folks so the church at least has some clue how to meet your needs.  But if nothing else, give it a try.  I've learned that I need to start going to civilian church instead of the military chapel so I have a network of civilian friends and neighbors when the military folks get transferred.  It's hard, but necessary.

Paul

-----Original Message-----
From: Rhonda <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Dec 4, 2003 11:04 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: saw doctor

I am glad some one else notices the difference, people seem in such a
hurry, you can make friends in the line at the grocery store, but not
here.  People sometimes ask about Bowers, seems as though folks really
like animals here.

You know people say I should become involved with a local fellowship,
but..... how does one do that, just go in to a strange place and then
just sit there?

Rhonda
----- Original Message -----
From: "BD" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2003 4:49 PM
Subject: Re: saw doctor


> Rhonda,
>
> You being a southern lady, are no doubt experiencing the same thing my
wife
> is in our return to Wisconsin. We really hadn't realized how northern
folks
> really do keep to themselves, do not talk about stuff in their lives
like
> people in the south do. It is amazing how the difference is between
the
> north and south. It ccan be very frustrating, and lonely as well,
which is
> perhpas partly why you feel as you do. I've lifed in the north my
whole
> life with acception to three eyars, and to me it is easy to see the
> difference. People appear cold, but not all are, they jsut feel it is
not
> their place to be involved with knowledge of other peple's lives. In
the
> south they'd say "Hey girl, let me give you a hug and tell me all
about
> it". In the north they might listen fidgety and say... "Oh my look at
the
> time I better get going". I am keeping you and Ben and family in my
> prayers. I wish I could do more.
>
> Brad
>
> At 12/04/2003 on Thursday, Rhonda wrote:
> >No, I don't know anyone here, no one talks much, people seem to keep
to
> >themselves.
> >Rhonda
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: "Kathy Du Bois" <[log in to unmask]>
> >To: <[log in to unmask]>
> >Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2003 8:23 AM
> >Subject: Re: saw doctor
> >
> >
> > > Dear Rhonda,
> > > Are you involved with any church body in the area?  If you  are,
> >chances
> > > are, they can really help.  They may be able to help with car
pooling
> >and
> > > also help to fill the void that you may be forced to experience
this
> > > Christmas.  That is just what the body of Christ is for.  "When
one
> > > suffers, we all suffer."  If you're not connected with a local
church
> > > body, perhaps the Salvation Army can help, or the Hospess in your
> >area.
> > > If you could find more people to help you to shoulder your burden,
> >this
> > > may take some of the pressure off of your daughter as well so
that, if
> > > she does want to go back to Georgia for Christmas, she will know
that
> >you
> > > are in the loving care of others.
> > > In Him,
> > > Kathy
> > >
> > > ________________________________________________________________
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